Societies may tout the benefits of part-time work, but such conversations often overlook a crucial consequence – that part-time jobs are disproportionately held by women, with negative effects on gender equality at home and in the labour market. Part-time work is often associated with slower career progression, lower earnings, lower earnings-related pensions, and, in many countries, lower job quality than that experienced by full-time workers
The OECD has long championed gender equality through the OECD Gender Initiative, which has produced an extensive stream of research assessing policies to promote gender equality in different countries. OECD data and reports have been crucial for raising the profile of the gender agenda internationally, including by securing strong commitments by G20 and G7 leaders. This report, Part time and partly equal, takes a close look at the Netherlands and assesses whether – and how – part-time jobs can “work” for women. It asks an important question: how can governments and employers foster workplace flexibility without disadvantaging women?
The OECD report was prepared in the OECD Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs (ELS), under the supervision of Willem Adema and under the senior leadership of Stefano Scarpetta (Director of ELS), Mark Pearson (Deputy Director of ELS) and Monika Queisser (Head of Social Policy).
The report was written by Valerie Frey, with valuable contributions from Chris Clarke and Willem Adema. The report benefited from comments and feedback from Mark Baker, Boele Bonthuis, Andrea Garnero, Maciej Lis, Ana Llena Nozal, Annabelle Mourougane, Monika Queisser, the Dutch authorities, and Delegates to the OECD Employment, Labour and Social Affairs Committee. Liv Gudmundson prepared the report for publication, with Fatima Perez, Lucy Hulett, and Alastair Wood providing further logistical, publication and communications support.
The OECD gratefully acknowledges financial support by the Kingdom of the Netherlands towards the preparation of this report.